Torres del Paine, Chile
Horses
Type of horses:
Chilean Criollo
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, strong, fit, willing and sure-footed.
Height of horses:
14.2 - 16hh
Weight limit:
105kg
Tack type:
The tack used on the horses will be determined by the rider’s level of experience or preference. A choice of either Chilean, Western or English tack is offered.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy, 1 C
Forecast:
Fri - Showers Late. High: 6 Low: 2
Sat - AM Rain/Snow Showers. High: 8 Low: 1
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Estancia to Estancia Trail
The price of this ride is inclusive of ten nights accommodation (based on twin share), and all meals and drinks including wine. It also includes all riding, an English speaking bilingual guide and all transfers starting from Punta Arenas airport. The boat trip on the last day and all entrance fees are also included.
2,480,000 #CLP# per person, based on 4 riders
2,200,000 #CLP# per person, based on 5 – 8 riders
***Single supplement $400,000clp
4-8 persons: £2877 per person
Small group supplement: £291 per person
Single person supplement £269
Reduced rate for 22nd March - 1st April:
4-8 persons: £1895 per person
Small group supplement: £299 per person
Single person supplement £269
Horse Ride and Kayak
The price of this programme is inclusive of one nights accommodation, (based on shared tent), all transfers, meals and drinks, all equipment and an English speaking bilingual guide.
The price of this programme varies as detailed below and depends on the size of the group:
2 clients: £53 per person
3 - 5 : £45 per person
6 - 10 :£42 per person
Getaway Ride
The price of this ride is inclusive of six nights accommodation, (based on twin share), all transfers starting from Punta Arenas airport, all meals, all equipment, English speaking bilingual guide and entrance fee for TDP.
The price of this ride varies as detailed below and depends upon the size of the group:
Group of 4 - 8 : £1775.
Small group supplement : £153.
Single supplement : £122.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
In one of the most spectacular areas of southern Chile your hosts, both experienced horse enthusiasts, have combined their knowledge of Southern Chile and passion for horses to offer a truly memorable experience.
With programmes ranging from day trips for the first timer and ten day adventures for the more experienced rider, this destination has something to offer everyone. Depending on your level of experience each trip is carefully planned to allow you to get the utmost enjoyment from your holiday.
Exploring this amazing part of Chile on horseback, you have the time to observe the breathtaking natural beauty of the places you visit and become familiar with the abundance of wildlife you will meet along your journey.
Trails vary from vast open plains perfect for exhilarating gallops, to steep mountain descents and ancient wooded valleys. The Torres del Paine national park offers open pampas, wooded valleys and breathtaking views of the towering mountains, turquoise lakes and rolling glaciers.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation throughout your holiday will be in traditional estancias that have been respectfully and tastefully converted into hotels. These estancias all have their own individual history and charm. With the perfect blend of comfort and culture your hosts offer an experience that allows you to celebrate this culture and share with you the warmth and hospitality of the people who live and work within it.
Here you can be assured of delicious, wholesome cuisine as all meals are freshly prepared using organic produce. Local meat or fish complimented with a fresh salad or vegetables are the dishes most typically offered. Sumptuous local desserts, freshly ground coffee and herbal teas are always included with the evening meals. Good quality wines are available during meal times on the longer trips.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Activities
In addition to riding we have a number of packages that offer horse riding in combination with other activities. These include hiking, orienteering and kayaking.
Further Details
Languages: English & Chilean
Health requirements: It is strongly recommended that clients are up to date with the following vaccinations, typhoid; tetanus; hepatitis A & B; polio.
Age limit: Riders must be between the ages of 18 and 70 unless by prior arrangement
Tuition: No
Included: Please refer to individual programmes
Not included: Flights
Travel Information
Flights are to Punta Arenas airport. A number of airlines fly from the UK to Punta Arenas, please contact us if you would like help or advice regarding booking your flights. Transfers using a private chauffer driven vehicle are included with times being arranged to suit the requirements of the group.
Airport: Punta Arenas
Programmes
Estancia to Estancia Trail
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Day 1 After you arrive in Punta Arenas, you will meet the guide and be taken to the first nights hotel - Rey Don Filipe. You will meet the rest of the group over dinner at Los Solitos restaurant and be briefed on the weeks itinerary. Day 2 Morning tour of the historical town Punta Arenas and it's memorial museum. The museum is dedicated to the memorabilia for the first settlers in 1856. You will then be transferred to Estancia Rio Penitente where you will meet and become acquainted with your horses. There will be a short ride around the Estancia before dinner, and you will stay at the Estancia for the night. Day 3 A day of riding from Estancia Rio Penitente, you will gallop across open pampa, wind through woodlands and rest for lunch by a lagoon. You will stay the night and enjoy a traditional Patagonia barbecue in the same Estancia. Day 4 You will leave early in the morning and be transferred to the first farm founded in the Ultima Esperanza Province, Puerto Consuelo. Captain Hermann Eberhard arrived in a dinghy in 1893 to this stunning beautiful area of Patagonia. He founded the first farm, and built a splendid mansion. You will ride from the farm to the location of the mansion. The mansion is now in ruins as his family were forced to knock it down in the 1970s due to political unsettlement. You will still be able to appreciate the great vision and achievement that Eberhard made in the early years of settlement. You can enjoy the scenery of a barbecue lunch. You will be spending the night in a lovely hamlet called Puerto Boreis in the charming guest house, Boreis House. Day 5 There will be another early morning transfer to Estancia Puerto Consuelo, the first Estancia in the Ultima Esperanza region, situated on the banks of fjord Eberhard. You will then set off to Milodon cave across open pampa. There will be a stop for lunch before continuing the ride to Laguna Sofia, through ancient Lenga forests and open valleys until you reach a Condor look out point on the cliffs of Laguna Sofia. The overnight stop will be in Hotel Tres Pasos. Day 6 Ride from Tres Pasos to the small farming settlement Cerro Castillo. This ride will take you around lagoons, through woodland valleys and up to a look out point to see the Torres del Paine National Park. Late afternoon you will arrive at Estancia El Pionero where you will spend the evening. Day 7 After breakfast at Cerro Castillo, you will be led out on a challenging days ride towards the eastern border of the National Park. Your destination is the beautifully restored farmhouse, Cerro Guido, with amazing views over the Towers of Paine. Day 8 Today you will be heading to an outpost of Cerro Guido called Las Chinas. Passing through mountain passes, and crossing high ridges you will have spectacular views of the towers, the Baguales mountain range and the Samiento lake. You will spend the night at the homely house of Las Chinas. Day 9 Leaving Las Chinas in the morning you will head towards Laguna Azul. You will be riding across diverse terrain of pampa and woodland passes wtih the fantastic backdrop of the Towers of Paine. Lunch will be taken at Las Chinas waterfall. You will arrive at the beautiful Laguna Azul in the late afternoon where a transfer will be waiting to take you to the hotel/spa Las Torres. Day 10 There will be a walk to Las Torres. (Three hours to reach the base and two & half hours down!). If preferred (or needed) there is the option to relax at the spa at Estancia Las Torres where you will spend the night again. Day 11 You return to Puerto Natales by boat down the Ultima Esperanza fjord, visit Serrano glacier then stop for a traditional Patagonia barbecue lunch in Estancia Puerto Consuelo. Your last ride will be in the afternoon across the pampa to Puerto Bories. You will be enjoying a farewell meal and your last night in Bories House. Day 12 Early morning transfer to Punta Arenas airport. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 9 days |
| Departure dates: | 16th - 27th November 2009, 25th January - 5th February 2010, 15th - 26th March 2010 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Horse Ride and Kayak
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This programme starts from the hamlet Puerto Prat, 20km North of Puerto Natales. you will kayak through the beautiful Fjord Eberhard to the Estancia Puerto Consuelo – the first cattle ranch founded in the area. After lunch at the estancia you will meet the horses and take a leisurely ride around the estancia. The surrounding views on this ride are some of the most breathtaking in the region. You will ride through ancient Lenga woods and through mountain passes, where on clear days there are spectacular views of the massif in the National Park Torres del Paine. This trip begins at the first estancia founded in the area by Captain Eberhard in 1893. You will ride aross open pampas towards the Milodon Cave before riding through ancient lenga forests to Lagun Sofia. Spectacular views are combined with outstanding beauty, flora and fauna making this an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiast. Daily Programme 09:00 transfer from Pto Natales to Pto Prat 10:00 After instruction we will kayak from Puerto Prat to Estancia Puerto Consuelo 13:00 Lunch at the estancia situated by the fjord Eberhard 14:00 After a leisurely lunch we will meet the horses and set off for a leisurely ride around the estancia 17:00 Arrive back at the estancia and transfer to Puerto Natales. |
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| Accommodation: | Not applicable |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | This trip is suitable for novice to experienced riders. Previous experience of kayaking is not necessary. Both guides are experienced in their field and can offer help and instruction when necessary. The pace of the trip is determined by the level of experience within the group on each individual excursion. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 1 day |
| Departure dates: | Dates available upon request |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Getaway Ride
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Day 1 Collection from Punta Arenas airport and transfer to Puerto Bories, situated on the banks of the Ultima Esperanza sound, Bories once the largest exporting plant for wool in the world has now been transformed into a quiet hamlet that has spectacular views of the sea, surrounding mountains and Balmaceda glacier.Throughout the transfer you will be able to appreciate the vast open pampas and wildlife. During the evening you’ll have the opportunity to go for a short horse ride or view the local museum before enjoying a traditional Patagonia barbecue at the guest house. Day 2 Early morning take a short transfer to Estancia Puerto Consuelo the first estancia in the Ultima Esperanza region, situated on the banks of fjord Eberhard. After meeting our horses we will set off across the estancia to the Milodon cave. After viewing the cave we will then carry on our ride to Laguna Sofia, through the ancient Lenga forests and open valleys stopping for lunch on the way. The evening will be spent back at Bories House. Day 3 On day 3 we take an early transfer heading towards the National Park Torres del Paine and start our days ride from the beautiful Estancia Cerro Guido based to the east of the park from where there are views of the impressively beautiful towers. After an exhilarating days ride we will spend the night back at the estancia where we will enjoy a typical Patagonian barbecue. Day 4 Today the ride will take us from Laguna Amarga across the park to Rio Serrano. The days ride will be long and you will have some of the most spectacular views of the trip. You will enter at Laguna Amarga and from there cross terrain which varies from open pampa to wooded lenga valleys, through streams and along steep mountain paths. The wildlife will be in abundance Guanaco herds will be easy to photograph. Foxes will follow your path, Ñandu will greet us and the array of birds will make it a bird lover’s paradise. You will arrive at the parks administration centre late afternoon where you will be able to view on the map the vast expanse of the park. After this short break you will ride to your destination for the night: Hotel Río Serrano, set by the Serrano river. Day 5 From the Hotel you will head across the open pampa to grey glacier, arriving there for lunch which will be taken on the beach over looking grey lake and the glacier. The evening will be spent back at the Hotel after an exhilarating days ride. Day 6 You return to Puerto Natales by boat down the Ultima Esperanza fjord, first taking a zodiac boat to view several beautiful waterfalls before stopping to view Serrano glacier. Lunch will be taken at Estancia Perales on the bank side of the Ultima Esperanza. On arrival in Puerto Natales you’ll be transferred (5 mins) to Puerto Bories for your farewell evening meal. Day 7 In the morning you’ll have a chance to view Puerto Natales, before transferring to Punta Arenas. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Novice - experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 4 - 5 days |
| Departure dates: | Please contact the office for dates |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |